Yiramalay Studio School continues to push the boundaries of education, creating rich experiences for our students to learn on-country. In the spirit of authentic education, June Oscar AO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and SSA Board Member emphasised the significance of Indigenous students benefitting from a residential on-country model. According to Adele Gott, the Principal at Yiramalay, “This is what authentic learning on-country looks like! Rich learning happens on-country. It’s where a lot of our learners feel at their happiest and safest. Having a lot of on-country opportunities is so important because it takes place outside a square classroom. Country teaches us about science, art, technology, and craft. It removes the traditional teacher-student dynamic.” In this blog update, we celebrate recent transformative events that exemplify our commitment to on-country learning.
Celestial Exploration on the Dampier Peninsula
Our Year 10 Yiramalay students embarked on a four-day journey to the Dampier Peninsula, immersing themselves in the magic of Nyul Nyul country. Guided by local Bunuba Elder, Mena Sebastian, Cultural Mentors Ralph Green, Sandra Nuggett, Sandra’s uncle Dunbar, and Teacher Elly Whitaker, the camp delved into the moon's influence on tides and fishing. Back in the classroom, students translated newfound knowledge into tangible experiences, crafting sundials and contemplating the age-old directional wisdom that has guided Indigenous people for millennia. Term 4 promises a deeper exploration of how seasons and astronomy impact our communities.
Environmental Stewardship at Manjali Studio School Site
Mandy and Mike from Bamford Consulting Ecologists (BCE) and Lachlan and Rada from Syrinx conducted a comprehensive survey of the flora and fauna around the new Manjali Studio School site on Bunuba country. Yiramalay students actively participated, learning about vegetation samples and animal habitats. This crucial data will minimise our project's environmental impact, ensuring a sustainable future for the local ecosystem.
Two-Way Science Enrichment with Bart Pigram
Another recent highlight at Yiramalay was the visit of Yawuru man, Bart Pigram, from Narlijia Experiences Broome, who enriched our school community with engaging workshops on Two-Way Science. Collaborating with Bunuba elders, mentors, and staff, Bart and the Yiramalay community co-created a Bush calendar for the current season, Barrangga, infusing cultural knowledge into the curriculum. The journey continued on-country to Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge), offering students an unforgettable day blending cultural exploration and a fishing expedition. Back at school, Bart's sessions skillfully connected the fishing experience to Health lessons, providing students with a holistic understanding of the functionality of body parts. The inception of a Two-Way Science working group marks the beginning of a collaborative initiative set to seamlessly integrate these experiences into various subjects, promising a holistic and culturally enriched curriculum by 2024.